Local community debates plan to build solar panel facility near farm land – LEX 18 News – Lexington, KY
Local community debates plan to build solar panel facility near farm land LEX 18 News - Lexington, KY
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Solar Panels in Fayette County: Balancing Renewable Energy and Agriculture
LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Solar panels have become increasingly prevalent in the Lexington area in recent years, as people embrace the benefits of this climate-friendly energy source.
Community Concerns
However, there are concerns about the appropriate placement of solar panels in certain areas of Fayette County, particularly in agricultural zones. These concerns were discussed in a meeting held in Frankfort today.
The community gathered to voice their thoughts on a proposed large-scale solar facility plan that would be situated in Fayette County’s agricultural areas.
- “It can be beneficial to homeowners, it can be beneficial to businesses, but we are here to protect the agriculture business,” said Jason Whitis, representing the Fayette County Farm Bureau.
- Whitis believes that solar energy infrastructure should not be located near local farms.
Preserving Agricultural Resources
Whitis argues that the plan would have negative impacts on other natural resources, such as the rich soil, which could in turn affect horses, cattle, crops, and more.
- “To take a large plot of land of 388 acres and turn that into a solar farm, that is prime farmland,” Whitis stated.
- Mayor Linda Gorton shares this concern and believes there are alternative ways to make Lexington greener without compromising valuable agricultural land.
Trade-offs and Economic Considerations
Mayor Gorton emphasizes that farms are vital businesses that contribute significantly to the local economy. Therefore, replacing farmland with a solar farm would not be a favorable trade-off.
- “Our farms are our businesses. They are producing businesses, and they are a big part of our economy. So, if we take a farm out of use, out of economic development, and place a solar farm, it’s a poor trade-off really,” said Mayor Gorton.
Exploring Alternative Solutions
Both Mayor Gorton and Whitis agree that there are suitable locations for solar farms in the area. However, the main dispute lies in the proposal to place them on prime farmland.
- “They want to place them on our prime farmland. That’s our main dispute,” added Mayor Gorton.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- SDG 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- SDG 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, and poverty reduction strategies and accounts.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article does not explicitly mention any indicators to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, potential indicators could include:
- Percentage increase in renewable energy generation in the local energy mix.
- Number of participatory and sustainable urban planning initiatives implemented.
- Extent to which climate change measures are integrated into local policies and planning.
- Extent to which ecosystem and biodiversity values are considered in local planning and development processes.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | Percentage increase in renewable energy generation in the local energy mix. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries. | Number of participatory and sustainable urban planning initiatives implemented. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Extent to which climate change measures are integrated into local policies and planning. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, and poverty reduction strategies and accounts. | Extent to which ecosystem and biodiversity values are considered in local planning and development processes. |
Source: lex18.com
